Jenna Merali

Registered Clinical Counsellor, BFA, MA, RCC

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair and glasses smiling in front of a light-colored wooden wall.

Jenna Merali is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. She offers collaborative, compassionate counselling to youth, individuals, couples, and families navigating life transitions, anxiety, relationship concerns, and chronic illness.

Who does Jenna help?

  • Families, including adult children and their parents

  • Couples

  • Adults

  • University and college students

  • Youth (12+)

Where are sessions offered?

Jenna offers in-person sessions at our Shelbourne office, and virtual sessions wherever you are.

What are the fees?

Individual sessions are $155 for 50 minutes.

Couples and Families are $175 for 50 minute sessions and $270 for 80 minute extended sessions.

Complimentary 20-minute consult available. Receipts for are available for extended benefits.

Is Jenna accepting new clients?

Yes, Jenna is accepting new clients. Book a free 20-minute consultation call to confirm fit.

Book a Session

About Me

I’m passionate about creating a supportive, collaborative space where you feel heard, respected, and understood. In our work together, you’ll have the opportunity to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly, at a pace that feels right for you. This is a space to reflect on what matters most to you and to make sense of the challenges you’re facing, whether individually or within your relationships.

Who I Work With

I work with couples and families who are looking to strengthen connection, improve communication, and navigate relational challenges together. I also support adults and university or college students as they move through life transitions, anxiety, relationship concerns, and the impacts of chronic illness. In addition, I work with youth (12+), offering a supportive space to explore emotions, identity, and relationships within the broader context of family life.

How I Work

My approach to counselling is collaborative, compassionate, and practical, with a touch of humour. I see therapy as a shared process where you are the expert on your own life and experiences. In our sessions, I offer reflections, ask thoughtful questions that encourage deeper understanding, and gently invite you to consider new perspectives. When guidance is helpful, I support you through exploration rather than advice, helping you arrive at choices that feel aligned with your values and goals.

I work from a trauma-informed lens, prioritizing safety, consent, and client agency. Our work moves at your pace, with care and curiosity, as we build insight, emotional resilience, and practical tools to support meaningful change, both individually and within your relationships..

What We Might Work On

You might work with me on:

  • life transitions and periods of change

  • anxiety and emotional overwhelm

  • relationship concerns (family, friendships, romantic relationships, workplace dynamics, and non-monogamy)

  • navigating chronic illness

  • boundary setting and communication skills

A Team Approach to Family Counselling

If you or your family are working with more than one counsellor at Harbour Family Counselling, I prioritize clear communication, informed consent, and shared goals. When collaboration is helpful, I coordinate with the other clinician(s) so the work stays aligned, while also respecting confidentiality and role boundaries so individual, couple, and family work supports the same direction of change.

Therapeutic Approach

I integrate evidence-based and relational approaches into my work, tailoring each to your unique needs, goals, and relationships. My approach draws from the following frameworks:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

  • Gottman Couples Therapy

My work is grounded in a trauma-informed lens that prioritizes safety, consent, and choice. I move at your pace with curiosity and care, remaining attentive to empowerment, emotional regulation, and creating a space where meaningful change can unfold.

Credentials & Background

Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) — BC Association of Clinical Counsellors

Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) — College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario

Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology — City University

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Contemporary Dance) — Simon Fraser University

Rates and Insurance

Complimentary 20-minute consultation – Introductory phone call to explore fit and answer questions.

Individual counselling – $155 for a 50-minute session (video)

Family counselling - $175 for a 50-minute family session, $270 for a 80-minute extended family session (video)

Couples counselling - $175 for a 50-minute couples session, $270 for a 80-minute extended couples session (video)

You may be eligible for reimbursement through extended health benefits. Find out more about the different benefits providers we work with on our rates page.

Outside the Office

Outside of counselling, I enjoy spending time with loved ones, working on my latest knitting project, and creating contemporary dance work. Movement and creativity have long been meaningful parts of my life, and they continue to shape how I think about balance, self-expression, and care, both personally and professionally.

Next Steps

If you’re considering counselling and want to see if we’re a good fit, you’re welcome to reach out to Harbour Family Counselling to book with Jenna or learn more about current availability

Book with Jenna

  • I can see clients at our Saanich location on Shelbourne, or virtually wherever you are.

  • Yes. All sessions are currently virtual until the Spring 2026.

  • I work with couples and families who want to strengthen connection, improve communication, and navigate relational challenges together. I also support adults and university or college students through life transitions, anxiety, relationship concerns, and chronic illness. In addition, I work with youth (12+), offering a supportive and collaborative space to explore emotions, identity, and relationships within the context of family life.

  • I support clients with a range of concerns, including life transitions, anxiety, and relationship challenges. This can include family dynamics, friendships, romantic relationships, workplace stress, and non-monogamous relationships. I also work with clients navigating chronic illness, boundary setting, communication, and building emotional resilience during times of change.

  • My approach to counselling is collaborative, compassionate, and practical, with a trauma-informed foundation. I see therapy as a shared process where you are the expert on your own life. I offer reflections, ask thoughtful questions, and gently invite new perspectives, supporting you in gaining clarity, building emotional resilience, and making changes that feel aligned with your values and goals.

  • When clients ask for guidance, I take a collaborative and client-centred approach. Rather than giving direct advice, I support you through reflective questioning, exploration, and gentle direction to help you gain clarity and arrive at decisions that feel right for you. I see you as the driver of your own ship, and my role is to walk alongside you as you navigate what’s next.

  • Yes. I work from a trauma-informed lens that prioritizes safety, consent, and client choice. Our work moves at your pace, with gentle exploration and curiosity, while remaining attentive to empowerment and emotional regulation throughout the therapeutic process.

  • When clients or families are working with more than one Harbour counsellor, I value open communication and continuity of care. With consent, I participate in general check-ins around therapeutic goals with other involved counsellors to ensure alignment and support a cohesive therapeutic experience, while always respecting confidentiality and role boundaries.

  • The first session is a chance for us to get to know one another and begin building a sense of trust. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you to counselling, what you’re hoping for, and any questions you may have. There’s no pressure to share everything right away, our work will move at a pace that feels safe and supportive for you.

  • Finding the right counsellor is an important part of the process. It can be helpful to notice whether you feel comfortable, respected, and understood in our conversations. If you’re unsure, you’re welcome to reach out to Harbour Family Counselling with questions or book an initial session to see how it feels. Therapy works best when you feel supported and at ease, and it’s okay to take your time deciding.

  • We require at least 48 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule a counselling session. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours’ notice may be subject to the full session fee.

    If you’re unable to attend an in-person session, you’re welcome to switch to a video or phone session instead. Just let us know in advance, and we’ll make the necessary arrangements.

    We understand that unexpected events can happen. Exceptions may be made in cases of illness, emergencies, or other circumstances beyond your control.

  • Most weeks have consult times available. Book a short consult call to confirm a fit, and we’ll then book your first session as soon as a time works for you.